Brazilian artist, Elaine Fasoli, is a 37-year-old mother of two children – an 11 year old boy and a girl of 6 years. She takes a great interest in crafts and does a little bit of everything. Elaine is keen on painting and fancywork. She discovered her gift when she was 15 but then it was not so serious occupation. Only later Elaine found out interesting things such as the country techniques applied for making dolls and wood painting. So, it goes until the present day to make handicrafts and she really likes it. ‘May I never miss inspiration and ideas to create?’ – Elaine says. It was a pleasure for us to take the interview with Elaine Fasoli who shared some interesting facts of her biography. We wish you a pleasant reading of Elaine Fasoli success story and viewing of her delightful rag dolls.

AP: Your first works. What did they look like? Who inspired you to make them?

EF: It’s really nice that all the handmade items were the same as I expected to make. However, I’m improving my skills from day to day, and my works become better and better. The person who always inspires me is my Mom. She also likes handicrafts very much.

AP: Do you have any formal education in your sphere or were you self-taught?

EF: I’m totally self-taught and very critical with myself. I always look for perfection. How do I get new knowledge? I often conduct research via Internet – it helps me to soak up knowledge and gives me new ideas. As for my skills, I simply make my works with great joy of creating something new. There are just simple touches, and my strong love for hobby.

AP: What genre are your works?

EF: Actually I do not follow any rules. I do various arts and try myself in various genres. However, for the most part, I like to make rag country dolls; it is something like magic to see a finished work and enjoy your final results.

AP: How would you describe your works? What kind of equipment and techniques do you use to create them?

EF: Well, actually, here in Brazil there are many wonderful artists. My job is quite similar to their works. Rag dolls are almost the same in any country. However, differences appear as every artist adds some new features to his work. So, it makes the works unique, as you leave your mark. I love sharing my work, especially with people who are fond of art like me. As for equipment and techniques I you use to create rag dolls – everything is rather simple, I use tissues and kerchiefs. The stitching machine is working all day long.

AP: Would you consider yourself as an expert in this sphere?

EF: Taking into account my 12 years experience, I think I can consider myself as an expert. I suppose I’m professional in this sphere.

AP: Is there someone who helps you in your creativity?

EF: No, I do everything alone, as, in fact, it can be a good guarantee of my products’ quality.

AP: What is your success formula?

EF: The formula for success is to do your best and never give up, as any profession has its ups and downs. I try to create various types of handmade items – but I always make a low-priced doll with the same enthusiasm that I make a doll of higher price. To present my handmade items I participate in fairs. What is more, I have a virtual workshop “Fasoarte Artesanatos”. And, of course, there should be propaganda among friends – that is a sure method.